Bill Maher surprises Trump critics with defense of Natalie Harp: ‘She seems incredibly devoted’

WASHINGTON, DC: Bill Maher has come to the defense of Donald Trump's aide Natalie Harp as scrutiny grows over her unusually close working relationship with the president.

The comedian and late-night talk show host, who has spent years criticizing Trump, addressed the controversy during his Friday, August 21, ‘Real Time’ monologue. Maher joked about Harp’s role around Trump but ultimately questioned why she had become a political target.

The comments came after Democratic Sen Jon Ossoff mentioned Harp while attacking Trump, triggering speculation about the 34-year-old aide and the president.

Bill Maher steers clear of commenting on speculation about Trump and Natalie Harp’s relationship

Maher began by calling Ossoff the Democratic Party’s “new attack dog” before turning to his comments about Harp.

“He really went after Trump this week and in the middle of it he mentioned Natalie Harp,” the comedian said, describing her as the young woman who works for Trump and travels closely with him. 

Maher acknowledged that the comments had sparked rumors about Harp and Trump but said he would not add to the speculation.

“Okay, let me tell you folks, I got sued about this once,” he joked, referring to his previous legal battle with conservative activist Laura Loomer.

Maher said Loomer sued him over a joke suggesting she and Trump could be in an “arranged relationship.”

“Okay, I won by the way, but it's, uh, it's expensive and unpleasant to get sued,” he said.

Bill Maher praises Natalie Harp’s work ethic

Maher said Harp was Trump’s “emotional support employee” and joked about her carrying a portable wireless printer to produce flattering news stories for the president.

But the comedian then defended Harp directly.

“But that's on him,” he said. “I don't know why you have to go after her, you know?”

He praised Harp’s dedication, saying, “She seems incredibly devoted to her job, never takes a day off.”

Maher added that Harp sometimes works so hard that she forgets to eat and sleep, joking that Americans are now asking, “Why can't I get a Millennial who works like that?”

He also suggested Harp had become the latest target in the increasingly hostile political climate.

“In America it's just like, ‘Oh good, someone new to hate,'” Maher said.

Natalie Harp’s access to Trump draws attention

Harp has attracted unusual attention because of her access to Trump.

She is regularly seen close to the president and was among the officials who accompanied him when he was moved from Air Force One to another aircraft in Turkey following an Iranian security threat.

Her influence has also come under scrutiny.

New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman said the Secret Service had previously been “alarmed” by some letters Harp wrote to Trump. One reportedly included the line, “You are all that matters to me.”

“The Secret Service had gotten alarmed by some of them,” Haberman said. “That was not– well, that was notable. That was a campaign. That was different. She is now in the government.”

Haberman stressed that Harp’s role is now much bigger than that of a loyal campaign supporter: “She sits 10 feet away from the president. She is a stream of information to him. He does rely on her. And I don't expect that to change.”

Harp survived bone cancer in her 20s and has credited Trump’s first administration with helping expand access to experimental treatments that she believes saved her life.

Her loyalty to Trump has since made her a much more visible figure in his orbit.